She bent again. I could feel the tremors from her body as she struggled with her teeth to release the clasps of my jeans. Her head pressed against my body, and I could actually feel her sobs of frustration and fear as she strained with the button. I raised my head, trying to see what she was doing down there.

Finally, she let out a cry of dismay and frustration. I felt her take the edge of the denim in her teeth and pull back. Her teeth slipped, but the fabric came free. She almost sobbed in relief as the stubborn button released its hold. Tears running down her face, she knelt up and looked at me, triumph replacing the frustration.

"Ouch," she whispered. She moved her jaw and pulled at her bound wrists, her face crunched up in mild pain.

"What happened?"

"My teeth slipped. Clacked together."

"Open."

She stared at me, but obeyed, opening her mouth widely, probably expecting a gag. I merely reached up and ran my finger over her lower teeth, trusting that she wouldn't try and bite me. She didn't.

"Nothing broken."

"I could have told you that."

I smiled at her. "And if I wanted to touch your teeth."

"They're yours to touch." She flushed. She sighed and bent her nude body back to her task. I felt her hot breath against me, through my underwear, and heard the zipper fall. She tugged ineffectively at the denim of my thigh with her mouth and then rose back to her knees. Her
face was tear streaked, but with her success with the button, she had managed to stop crying. A new frustration had appeared.

"Christi?" I inquired sweetly.

"I. I can't."

"Can't what?"

"Get them off. Please, sir. You. Please help me?"

I reached down and raised my pelvis at the same time. I pushed the jeans over my hips and off my legs. I sat up and pulled off my t-shirt as well for her. I kicked off my shoes and socks, leaving just my underwear for her to struggle with. I lay back down, taking the weight off my pelvis.

Her eyes followed my movements, probably surprised that I'd helped her this much. She was probably expecting at least a half hour of painful struggling against her restraints in order to get my clothes off. I'd done in thirty seconds what would have taken her thirty minutes.
Minimum.

She smiled down at me, gratefully. "This slave thanks you."

She bent again, nuzzling me through the thin material of my underwear. I gasped at the sensations. If it was possible, I found myself getting harder. At last, she teasingly gripped the material in her teeth and pulled them slowly down my legs until they caught at my ankles. I
lifted my feet allowing her to pull them completely off me. She looked up at me, smiling as she bent again to take my toes into her mouth.

I shivered as her tongue explored my toes. After a few minutes she glanced up and began her slow journey back up towards my head. With her hands behind her, she had some difficulty maneuvering herself upwards. At last she straddled me, her bare legs lying easily on either side of my body, looking at my face. Her bare breasts were rising and falling beautifully with her laboured breathing and I could feel her arousal and heat as she pressed herself into my belly.

Carefully, she lowered herself to touch my lips with hers. I could see her frustration, knowing this would be ever so much easier if I'd just release her wrists. But she didn't complain or beg me to let her free. She merely kissed me, pulling lightly at her ropes.

"I can't wait any longer," she whispered as she ground her pelvis into my body. "I swear, I'm going to cum like this."

I smiled up at her. "You'll do no such thing."

She closed her eyes, remembering that I wasn't a normal lover. She needed my permission for her release. She nodded, silently promising that she wouldn't climax without my permission.

She lifted herself, straining her thighs. I had to help her a bit, she not being quite strong enough and being restrained, she couldn't find the leverage. Finally she was poised over me, her thighs straining to keep her body lifted off mine, her toes curled into the bed sheets.

She moaned as I guided myself to her. I nodded to her and she gently lowered herself, impaling her body with mine. We gasped together at the penetration. Slowly, she slid herself up and down, pumping, gripping at me with her internal muscles, rocking herself. After the
mornings activities I wasn't going to last very long. She took her time, savouring the sensations, feeling the sexual energy. She had cum once this morning with Jane, but she was more than ready for me.

I glanced once at Elizabeth still working diligently between Amy's legs. Amy had her eyes closed, trying to ignore Elizabeth's tongue now. She was probably spent for the day. The sight of the female lovemaking heightened my arousal again. I closed my eyes to concentrate on Christi's softness. Images flipped behind my closed lids. Knowing that she was restrained, couldn't use her hands made it so much more enjoyable for me. Amy. Elizabeth. Jane, still bound in the other room with Sheila. The syrup. The girls, trying so hard to be pleasing.

I exploded, not being able to hold back any longer. Christi cried out as I thrust one last time deep into her softness. My body arched, muscles fighting with one another, moaning. I fell back to the bed under her, gasping and fighting off the residual spasms. Christi had stopped her thrusting as I climaxed. I could still feel her wetness and her arousal as I remained inside of her.

"Please?" she whispered. Seeking permission for her release. I imagine that she had been holding back. She was as ready as I was after the morning of being bound and teased.

Not getting an immediate answer, the flushed girl began to cry softly. She needed the release, but I wasn't allowing her. She pulled futilely at her trapped wrists, wanting to touch herself, needing just that tiny push over the edge. Resignedly, she lifted herself on quivering thighs and extracted me from her. I gasped at the sensations.

She moved her bare body as best she could and lay down, still crying softly beside me. She buried her head in my shoulder, her skin still hot pressing into me. I let her cry for a few moments as I recovered.

"That was wonderful," I whispered to her.

"Please. I. This slave. She wants to cum. Oh God. Please." She looked up at me with earnest deep blue eyes. "Whatever I did, I'm sorry."

"You didn't do anything." I gently told her.

"Then why? Please untie me? I'll finish myself. You don't have to do anything? Please?"

"Will you accept a gag?"

Her face registered confusion, probably so aroused she couldn't form any thought that didn't directly involve her swollen clitoris.

"You know, to keep you quiet?" I elaborated.

"You want me to keep quiet? I will. You don't have to gag me. I. Please."

I reached over the side of the bed, fishing through the equipment bag that was still lying on the floor. Finally I touched a shiny hard ball shaped object which I pulled up onto the bed with the attached leather straps. Christi's eyes opened wide as she saw the ball gag, not understanding why she had to have it. She would keep quiet if I told her to. Not even a cry. She had enough self-control and I knew it. It wasn't like I was going to whip her.

"Please. Why?" she pleaded with me. She knew, by now, that she was going to be gagged, like it or not.

"I just want to see you in it. I'll let you climax if you willingly take it. You have a choice."

Christi's brow furrowed, but her body betrayed her. She didn't like the idea of being gagged, I couldn't remember if I had ever made her wear one before. She had always been good at keeping her mouth shut when told. She slowly nodded, wanting the climax more than she didn't want the gag.

She silently opened her pretty mouth as I approached her with the intrusion. I slipped the red ball behind her teeth and gently connected the straps behind her head. I worked the hair out from under the strap, allowing it to fall free around her bare shoulders. Her mouth stretched wide to accommodate the gag, but I hadn't wrenched it in, like I had a few days ago with Elizabeth and Jane. Christi wasn't going to have to wear it very long. I just wanted to see her climax with it.

Christi tried to mumble something around the gag, but it wasn't intelligible. I was guessing that she had tried to beg for its removal, but she wasn't in any position to get rid of it herself. In
frustration, she tried reaching around her nude body with her bound hands, but she wasn't even coming close to her breasts, her vagina or her mouth with her hands tied the way they were.

I gently urged her legs apart with my fingers. She lay her gagged head back into the pillows and more than willingly spread her long legs, her toes curling as she did.

I idly stroked her skin, causing unintelligible begging noises to emerge from her mouth. She breathed easily through her nose, eyes closed as I gently parted her lips. Her body went rigid at the first light touch of her swollen clitoris. I eased off, teasing her, lightly stroking her slippery outer lips and entering her with my fingers. I purposely avoided her center until her mewls of dismay and arousal came at fever pitch. If it wasn't for that gag, she would have been begging shamelessly and unreservedly.

I whispered to her, "You may climax, little one."

Relief flooded into her unusually expressive eyes as I began to lightly stroke her clitoris. It didn't take much, she was so aroused and ready. She exploded with a scream that was evident through the gag wedged behind her teeth. She screamed repeatedly into the gag as she orgasmed, her entire body arching and tensing as I continued to rub her lightly. Finally, spent, she collapsed into the sheets, trying to pull away from my still stroking fingers. I gave her one last light stroke on her sensitive clit causing her to jump and then allowed her to rest. She shivered as I ran my fingers lightly down her leg as I rose to my feet.

I gently touched Elizabeth's head, and she gratefully stopped licking at the girl in front of her. Using a pair of handcuffs, I had her sit with her back to the footboard of the bed. I casually connected her wrists to the bedposts, but she was far too tired to care. I suspect that she was thankful that I had even let her stop. She let her head droop towards her bare chest, her legs drawn up and pressed together. She looked pretty sitting there on the floor, arms outstretched, but I didn't tell her. She closed her eyes, resting her tired body.

I returned to the bed and sat down beside Christi. She looked up at me, helplessly, pleading with her eyes.

"You want something, pretty girl?"

She nodded her head. She was still flushed from her exertions, I could see it in her distended cheeks. She wanted the gag out of her mouth. I could see her tongue pushing against the intrusion. Even though it hadn't been in her mouth long, it was probably uncomfortable.

"More sex?"

Her eyes betrayed her confusion. She didn't know what the right answer was. She wanted the gag out, but she also would be willing to put out more to keep herself out of trouble. She was likely fully recovered from her climaxes and could probably go again if I wanted her. Problem
was, as enticing as that gagged, naked, gorgeous creature was, there was no way that I was ready. Perhaps in a while. She struggled and opted for honesty. She slowly shook her head, preferring to take her chances that I'd guess again what she wanted. I could see it in her eyes. She knew that I was teasing her.

"You'd like to sleep?"

She looked a bit worn out, but that would have been normal, I supposed. She had been struggling in ropes, forced to exert herself without the benefit of her hands. But she shouldn't be sleepy tired for a while yet, despite her rigorous activities. Elizabeth, and maybe Jane, could use sleep again, but Christi should still be viable. Predictably, she shook her head again, mewling into the ball. Probably trying to beg for the gag out.

"What does she want?" I mused to myself as I idly stroked her skin. She squirmed, kicking her bare feet at the touches. Leaving her frustrated, I rose and quickly dressed myself. When I finished, I lowered myself back to the bed and gently kissed at her lips. It was an odd sensation kissing a gagged girl. Her lips were tight around the intrusion and she moaned at the touches. She probably thought it was more odd than I did.

She tried to talk around the ball again, but finally gave up, realizing that I would take it out of her mouth eventually, and that she just had to wait. I touched the red surface of the ball between her lips.

"Must be hard to talk with that in there," I commented idly.

She nodded her head vigorously, her eyes pleading with me.

"You want it out?"

She nodded again. My fingers were idly caressing her nipples, causing them to involuntarily, or perhaps voluntarily, harden. She squirmed, but didn't pull away.

"Will you be a good girl?"

Her eyes registered disbelief that I would even ask. She'd done everything she was ordered to today without complaint. She'd taken off her clothing, had sex with me, made love to Amy, made love to Jane, suffered the syrup. She knew that she hadn't so much as complained.
She'd been good and didn't deserve to be lying there naked begging for her gag to be removed. Despite all that, she swallowed her pride and slowly nodded her head.

"You'll be quiet?"

Again, a hesitant nod. I could see her squirming, trying to keep still but so anxious to get the ball out of her mouth.

I smiled at her and gently lifted her blonde head. I reached under her hair while she struggled to help me, twisting her head to allow me better access to the clasps. I slowly released the straps and then let her head fall back onto the pillow. The gag was no longer forcibly in
her, she had closed her eyes and held it behind her teeth voluntarily, waiting for my fingers to pull it free for her. I watched her face for a moment, stretched by the intrusion and struggling not to push it out with her tongue. I wouldn't have punished her if she had, I kind of expected her to do it. But she lay there, fighting with herself. It was beautiful to watch. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at me, pleading. I was surprised that she'd had the self control to hold the uncomfortable position.

I gently grasped the ends of the straps, slowly pulling the gag from her lips. As she felt the outward tension, she opened her mouth a little wider allowing the ball to slip from behind her teeth. She gasped audibly as the ball gag swung out of her mouth. It was wet, but it hadn't been in her long enough to cause uncontrollable drool. She began to say something, probably a whispered thank-you, but I touched her lips with my finger before she could utter more than the initial "Th-", gently reminding her to keep quiet.

"Stay there. When I come back, I'll let you get dressed again. If you are good."

"Please untie me," she whispered pulling at her trapped wrists.

I motioned for her to be silent and she closed her mouth, realizing that she would be bound until I returned. At least I had left her ankles free.

I rose and walked towards the door. As I passed Amy, she looked up at me with hopeful eyes. She whispered as well, "Please. I've been in this chair for hours. Please let me go. I won't go anywhere. I'll sit still wherever you put me."

I raised my finger to my lips, shushing her. Her face drooped as she too realized that she was stuck in the ropes for a while. She squirmed, trying to get more comfortable. I felt a bit sorry for her, her bare body was probably aching. Probably her rear end was numb from sitting in one position so long on the hard chair. I stroked her hair gently.

"When I get back, I'll let you out. I promise."

She numbly nodded, tears falling gently from her eyes. She had been good all morning as well. I know I really should have let them free, but as I turned, regarding the three bound beauties, I again marveled at their exquisiteness lying and sitting throughout the room. Such
delicate and desirable creatures. Mine. I didn't want to let them go.

I walked quickly to the business room where Jane and Sheila were trapped. I twirled a pair of steel handcuffs around my finger as I approached. I set the key in the lock and took a breath. I wasn't used to Sheila yet, and though she had never shown outward aggression, she also had never seen me punish the other girls. She might have some ideas of how to incapacitate me. She had some weapons in there, and she might have released Jane to help her. I readied my time defenses and unlocked the door. Really, I should have left Sheila restrained.

I watched carefully as the door swung open. Sheila was on her knees, leaning back on her hands quietly talking to Jane. Sheila looked up as I entered, Jane tried to twist her bound body around to look at me. I watched as a look of hope crossed Jane's features, but she pressed her lips together, not saying anything. Her arms looked sore bent up towards the ceiling behind her. She still couldn't rise, and her legs looked tired. That was unfortunate, because she was going to remain there for a while, yet.

Sheila spoke softly as I approached.

"Please, master. This slave begs for slave Jane's release. She's in pain."

"I know. I'll let her out soon."

Jane groaned as she realized that she was in for further pain and punishment before I'd let her down. I crouched down beside Sheila.

"You didn't let her go?" I asked Sheila.

"You would have put her back up, and punished her twice as badly if I had."

I nodded and reached for Sheila's wrist.

"Please. I've proven that I'm not going to do anything. You don't have to tie me up."

"You won't be as uncomfortable as Jane is. And it's not for long."

Sheila, realizing that any further protests would probably lead to further discomfort, allowed me to hang the steel from her wrist. I bid her lie down, which she did. I carefully attached her right wrist to Jane's right ankle, having her lie easily under Jane.

I addressed both of them.

"Girls? I don't want to gag you, but I want you to be quiet. Can you do that for me?"

They both nodded. Sheila from the floor, and Jane from her bent over posture. They didn't know why I wanted them quiet, but they knew better than to question it. They'd at least be quiet when I was around.

"I'll be back in a while."

Jane looked like she wanted to say something, perhaps let me know in graphic detail how her arms were screaming, but she decided to keep quiet, not wanting a gag to extend her discomfort.

I stroked their hair gently and silently left them in the room. I carefully locked them in, though it was probably unnecessary with their restraints.

I took a deep breath, allowing the shakes to finally take hold of my body. I gripped the handrail until they receded. Taking another deep breath I got myself in motion, walking swiftly to the stairs and down.

I settled myself into the comfortable sofa and lay my head back against the cushions.

What the hell had happened to me? One second I'm teasing Christi, the next I'm lying overtop of her bound form, with Elizabeth taking care of me as though I was an invalid. I couldn't fathom it. What if it happened again? What if I didn't wake up? What if it was more severe?
What if the girls decided that next time, they'd take a chance at freedom by incapacitating me while I was helpless? Like Amy was already suggesting? I couldn't blame her for that. She must be damn uncomfortable in that chair. My head swam with concerns.

I rose to my feet and carefully walked to the front of the house, letting myself outside. I looked up at the house from the front walk. Inside, I had five girls, completely dependent on me. Without me, they couldn't get back to their former lives. Without me, at the moment,
they couldn't even get themselves free enough to move. They deserved better.

I forced myself to clear my head and began walking. The clean air of the morning helped the fogginess recede from my being. It felt good to be alone, enjoy the sunshine, breathe the air. I was tempted to release the few people that I passed, just to play with them in the morning light. God, this timeline was idyllic. Except for that damn blackout. My thoughts returned to the girls, restrained inside, unable to enjoy simple things at whim as I did.

I hadn't traveled far before I spotted a sports car, stopped in the middle of the road. The driver was a young attractive brunette, concentrating on the unmoving road in front of her. If I chose, she could be mine. I could add her to the women I already had. Make her my slave. I fingered my gun, but I realized that I didn't need it. I could take her with a combination of time and brute strength. She was no match physically for me.

My mind snagged, a nagging suspicion entering my consciousness. I sat down on the road, staring at the cute driver, letting my mind wander. It hit me like a ton of bricks falling from a building under construction. Bad scene.

I leapt to my feet and ran around to the other side of the Mazda with the girl. I carefully exerted a minimum of will, allowing the passenger door to free from the time block. I slipped into the
passenger seat, fighting the urge to take the brunette. She was exquisite. But I didn't have time. I rummaged through her glove box finding paper. I dug in her purse in search of a pencil or pen. Lifesavers. Tampons. Condoms. Kleenex. And a wallet. Her wallet had a fine gold pen buried in the fold.

I climbed out of the car and stretched out on the hood of her car. If I'd freed her now, I would have been in some serious trouble lying as I was. I feverishly scribbled equations and inequalities on the page, filling one, then another. The variables were complex, and almost
unreadable, but after an hour or so, I read the last equation in disbelief.

I could control time, but there were limits. I knew that. I just hadn't bothered with the specifics because according to the assumptions, the limits should be far longer than a human life span. I knew more, now. Time control was taking some energy from my system, and that energy was fading. Not quickly. Not drastically. But I simply couldn't maintain this time line indefinitely. With practice, perhaps, but I couldn't yet. I knew that going in, but the line had proved to be so distracting that I had forgotten to keep my eye on it. According to the last equation, the controller might slip into a state of timelessness if the energy was to low. If the energy levels fell enough, then the timelines would collapse. The black out state was an
attempt by my body and mind to conserve the timeline unconsciously. It would happen more and more frequently until the time line collapsed. I had a bad feeling what might happen to my body if the energy levels fell that low. Not to mention the effects on the people on this
timeline. It might collapse into the primary timeline, but then again, it might not. The equations weren't that accurate.

I took a deep breath, the shaking now completely gone from my body. I was beginning to understand the realities of this. That is why I recovered so fast. It wasn't a physical affliction. Problem was, I was vulnerable when it happened, and so were the girls.

I slowly dropped off the car and sat at the side of the road holding the pages of numbers as a kind of bible. I couldn't know when, but it would happen to me again if I tried to maintain the timeline. And there was absolutely no way to tell how low the energy reserves might be in my system. I needed rest. And I needed it on the main timeline where I wasn't in control.

I stared at the numbers, wanting to be wrong. I would have been happy staying here for a few more weeks. Perhaps someday I could.

I really didn't want to let them go. This whole peaceful world and the girls. They were great creatures. They had adjusted so well, and it had been fun. Probably more for me than them, but they had their freedoms as well. As Jane had so aptly put it, on the prime timeline,
where could they go where they could romp around without clothes or cares? No school. No work. No worries. Someone else looking after your needs. They might have to put up with my games occasionally, but that wasn't that bad a price to pay.

I hung my head, breathing steadily. I knew what I had to do.

I rose to my feet, hearing my own feet against the pavement in this silent world. I walked back to the house, dreading what was coming.

I walked over to the business room, slipping the key into the lock as quietly as I could. I turned it, and entered in one motion. They were talking quietly. More Sheila talking from the floor and Jane softly crying. Sheila had sat up, her wrist still holding her to Jane's ankle. She paled as she watched me enter, knowing that I'd told them to be quiet before I left. She made to lie down into the position that I left her.

I watched her struggle with her instinct to say something. She succeeded and lay quietly. Jane's quiet crying was the only sound in the room.

I crouched down beside Sheila and began to release the cuff from Jane's bare ankle.

"Please." Sheila whispered.

I looked at her. Taking my lack of admonishment as a sign to continue, Sheila begged. "Please. She's hurt. Let her down. I know how much it hurts. Her arms hurt. She. She told me."

Jane shot a look at Sheila through her tears. Probably not wanting me to know how much she hurt.

I didn't answer Sheila and lifted her to her bare feet. I gently handcuffed her hands behind her back which she didn't protest.

"Sheila, honey. I need to talk to Jane. Will you go into the master bedroom with the others?"

"Will you let her down?"

"I'm going to let her down soon."

Sheila nodded, tears filling her eyes at her helplessness and she padded quietly towards the open door. I watched her as she moved into the hallway, and towards the other side. She'd have some trouble with the doorknobs with her hands cuffed behind her, but she'd manage. If
not, she'd be smart enough to kneel in the hallway and not return until I asked her back.

I settled myself into the leather chair and gazed at the half dressed, crying girl in the middle of the room. I couldn't help but notice the contrast. Her having nothing and me comfortable with everything I ever wanted. Almost everything.

I mentally marked the timeline as I sat. I felt a brief crawling sensation in my mind as I did, but nothing serious. I didn't black out again.

"Janey?"

"Oh God. Please let me go. My arms. Hurt."

"I know, baby. I know."

"I didn't do anything to deserve this. Please. I'll do whatever you want from me."

"Will you kneel and listen to me?"

She managed to raise her head and look at me, incredulous that I'd even asked.

"You can tie me on my knees for all I care. Just let me down. I'll do whatever you want. You don't have to hurt me to have me."

I rose slowly from the chair and approached her. She watched, apprehension filling her face. She had no idea if I was going to punish her before letting her down or not.

I knelt in front of her, looking up into her teary face. Still looking into her eyes, I ran my fingers softly up under her dress, stroking her soft skin. Relishing her feel. I touched between her legs. Sopping wet. Her eyes were still glued to mine as she squirmed in her restraints, knowing that her body was betraying her again.

I rose, carefully untying the tether from the chain between her wrists. With a gasp the girl fell to her knees as soon as the support of the rope fell away. Her arms audibly smacked against her back. She was breathing hard and her eyes teared from relief. I knelt behind her and gently massaged her upper arms and shoulders. She moaned at the unexpected kindness. After ten or so minutes of that I crawled around front of her and adjusted her dress over her exposed breasts. She looked stunning kneeling there in her evening wear, tears still slowly
dripping from her eyes.

"You didn't need to do that," she spoke quietly. "I. I appreciate it, but I know you didn't have to. Thank-you."

I didn't know if she was talking about the massage, or the dress.

"Janey. Sweetheart. I have to let you go."

"You just did."

"No. I have to let you all go."

My eyes began to tear, but I forced the wetness from my eyes. She was quick, probably the most perceptive of any of the girls.

"What happened?" she asked softly.

"I was playing, and I blacked out. I. I can't maintain this timeline much longer. It's a symptom of my losing control. If I don't stop this, at some point I'm going to blackout and never wake up. And I have no idea how much danger you or I are in."

She sat back on her heels studying my face. "I wish I could say that I'm sympathetic."

"I know. I don't expect you to be upset or anything. I just thought you should know."

"Why me?"

"Because you might understand. And you were always good to talk to."

"Are you going to tell the others?" She pulled at her bonds again.

"Eventually."

"How long until you black out again?"

"Have no idea. Could be hours. Could be days."

"How much longer are you going to keep us."

"Not much longer."

Her eyes registered her perception. "You are going to have one last fling with us. Aren't you?"

I'd considered that on the way here. I'd decided on something a little different. I slowly shook my head and Jane's eyes betrayed her confusion.

"You aren't going to use us all one last time before you have to let us go?"

"No, sweetheart. I'm going to give you all a choice. To a degree. I'm going to let you all decide if you want anything special before you go. You won't remember it, but you may as well get something you always wanted to do before you go. Doesn't have to be sexual. As long as it doesn't take too long. That's all. You might want to think about it."

"When?"

"When what?"

"When are you going to let us go?"

"By the end of today. Not much choice, I'm afraid."

She lowered her head. When she raised it again, she was fighting off tears. Not sure why.

"Can a slave beg for lunch? Or are you purposely making her wait? She's hungry."

I smiled at her. I wondered what she was going to ask for. This seventeen year old, gorgeous creature kneeling so docile in front of me.

I had her get to her feet, and I released her bonds. She turned on her bare feet rubbing her wrists and biceps.

"How are your breasts?"

"God awfully sore. You didn't have to do that to me, you know. Whatever you asked, I would have done. Even this dress hurts now."

"How are the arms?"

"A little better."

"You think you can make lunch?"

"Depends what you want."

"Anything you would normally make."

"I can make sandwiches. Egg salad, or cold meat."

"Whatever strikes your fancy."

"You are really going to let us go?"

I nodded slowly. Not wanting to.

"I know what I want." And with those words she bent down quickly and kissed my forehead. In a whirl of black fabric, she turned on her feet and hurried to make some lunch for everyone, I could hear her bare feet whispering down the hallway and down the stairs.

I slowly rose to my feet and followed her but only as far as the master bedroom. I hesitated, but forced myself to turn the knob. I entered the room, glancing around. Sheila was kneeling in the center of the room, her bare body still on display. Idly, I wondered how much trouble she'd had with the doorknob with her hands bound behind her back. Amy was still tied into her chair, squirming slightly. Christi lay quietly on the bed looking at me. And Elizabeth remained
exhausted, sitting at the end of the bed, arms outstretched, vulnerable.

I made my way over to Amy's chair and knelt in front of her. I slowly ran my fingers up her calf and across her smooth thigh. She shivered, but didn't protest. She began to say something, probably wanting to beg again for her release, but then remembered her orders to keep
quiet. She knew about gags and really didn't want another. She remained silent. I waited for a few minutes there, just enjoying the sight of her, and finally began to unknot the ropes holding her bare ankles. She sat still, breathing easier as she realized that she was getting a measure of freedom. After a few minutes, her limbs were free of the chair. She still sat quietly, not sure of my intentions. She was shaking a little.

I picked up a stray pair of handcuffs from the pack and motioned for her to come to me. She stiffly managed to rise out of the chair. She began to walk towards the bed where I stood, but realized that she hadn't been told how to move. Closing her eyes, she opted for safety and fell to her knees. She awkwardly shuffled towards me on her bare knees, finally ending up at my feet. She bowed her head.

"Turn around," I spoke gently to her. "Hold your hands behind you."

She looked up at me, tears forming in her eyes. She had done everything I wanted, including being bound to a chair for hours suffering female attentions. Rightly, she didn't deserve to be bound, and she knew it. She hadn't been free of restraints for a long time. But I had my reasons.

"It's not punishment, Amy. You've been a good girl," I tried to reassure her.

She looked up at me, begging with her eyes, silently asking why. I couldn't give her an answer. Not yet. Not getting a response, she resigned herself and turned slowly on her knees, her wrists held behind her bare back.

I bent and slipped the steel around her wrists, being careful not to tighten them into her skin.

"Go kneel with Sheila. Okay?"

Amy nodded silently, and began her slow journey to Sheila on her knees. I rose and walked over to where Elizabeth sat slumped at the foot of the bed.

I crouched in front of her. Her breathing was regular, her eyes closed. Her legs were drawn up, trying to make herself more comfortable on the floor. Her wrists were hanging loosely in the cuffs.

I touched her shoulder gently, whispering to her.

"Elizabeth? Sweetheart?"

The girl awoke with a start, but she wasn't as disoriented as I'd feared she might be. She pulled once at her restraints and then moaned a bit. She looked up.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"Sorry for what?"

"For sleeping," her eyes widened as she realized the rest of the room was quiet except her. Her mind focused and she remembered her orders to be quiet. The girls were taking me seriously today. I couldn't blame them. "And for talking, just now. I'll be quiet."

"It's alright. You can talk. Just not loudly. I'm going to let you go from there, alright? I'm going to handcuff you like Amy and Sheila."

She numbly nodded, not even being fully awake yet. She didn't have much choice in how free or not free her body was anyway.

I reached up and stroked the soft skin of her face. I let my finger trace over her jaw and down her throat. I traced down between her bare breasts, and touched her belly. She shivered, but didn't protest the touches of her skin. She had been through a lot worse.

I reached up and released her left wrist from the cuff holding her. She pulled the hand in, and gently held it on her thigh. I released her right wrist by releasing the cuff attached to the bedpost. She just looked at me and spoke, "Front, or back?"

She was clearly hoping for front, but I had to disappoint her. "Back," I told her. Her eyes registered a bit of disappointment, but she squirmed her bare body around, reaching her knees. Mimicking Amy and Sheila, she held her wrists behind her and allowed me to attach them together with the chain. She pulled idly at her bonds, but satisfied with her helplessness, she turned herself back around to face me.

I gently kissed her cheek, which she again allowed without complaint.

"Jane's making some lunch and you're probably hungry. All of you. Head down. And you can talk between you. Tell Jane that she can talk to you as well. Alright?"

The faces around me brightened a bit, as they didn't have to worry about keeping quiet. All four began to rise to their feet, struggling against their restraints.

I rose, seeing that Christi had managed to rise to a sitting position on the bed. She was swinging her bare legs off the bed.

"Except you, Christi," I spoke gently to her. She looked up at me questioningly, but stopped her movements obediently.

She braved speaking.

"Please. I'm hungry too." She had made her voice purposely pitiful, like a hungry child being denied food. Perhaps she actually felt that way. And it tore at me. The vixen.

"I'm not punishing you. You'll get to eat, in a moment. I promise."

Her face brightened a bit at the promise and she slowly lay herself back onto the bed, wistfully watching the other three girls exit the room. The door closed quietly behind the retreating beauties.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at this woman that I knew so well. Her blonde hair cascaded over her bare shoulders. Her arms looked uncomfortable held behind her, but she wasn't complaining. Her full lips were slightly parted, her breath coming in short bursts. She
stared back at me, not angry, not upset, not in accusation. None of the things she should have been feeling as I watched her. This beautiful creature that I had possessed for what seemed like forever.  I idly wondered what she'd want before she left. If anything.

I silently motioned for her to sit up. She struggled with it, her abdomen straining with the awkward sit up that I'd demanded of her.

"What's the matter?" she whispered.

I couldn't tell her yet. "In time. I'll tell you."

"Something is the matter, then. I could feel it," her shoulders shook a bit as she craned her neck to try and look at me. My fingers fumbled at the knots holding the rope around her wrists.

"Is it me?" she asked tremulously. "Whatever I did, I'm sorry."

I was silent. Not knowing what to tell her.

Christi continued as her wrists were freed from their restraints. "I truly am sorry. Not because I'm afraid of punishment. I am. But you seem different. Quiet. Melancholy. And whatever I did to cause it, I'm sorry."

I finished with her hands and she pulled them in front of herself, rubbing at her wrists. She slowly turned her body on her hands and knees, falling into an easy cross-legged position.

I looked into her deep blue eyes and spoke solemnly. "Christi, honey. Honestly. It isn't anything that you did. Everything is fine."

I tried my damnedest to get a smile onto my face. It shouldn't have been hard with her, nude, and available sitting there in front of me. But I knew I had failed when tears threatened to form in Christi's eyes.

Instinctively, she threw herself forward and hugged me. I'm not sure what possessed her to do it, but it was right. I felt her bare body press itself into my clothes tightly. She held me for a few minutes, and then slowly backed away, falling back to her knees on the bedspread. Strangely I felt better somehow.

"Thank-you," I spoke quietly. Christi raised her pretty eyebrows at that. I don't think I'd ever thanked any of them for anything that they did. They were human, but they also had to be reminded of their status in small ways. She still looked a little worried, but she managed to speak.

"You're welcome. I know you can make me hug you whenever you want, but that one was real."

"I know."

She held her wrists out, close together, offering herself.

"Don't you want to get dressed first?" I asked her gently.

Her eyes brightened immediately as she was distracted from my state. She nodded her head slowly.

I lay back on the bed as she crawled off and picked up her discarded clothing. I watched her lithe body as she covered it, pulling the too tight jeans over her hips, and the top over her head. I marveled that she could look so perfect both nude and clothed. She smiled brilliantly at me as she stood there, waiting for my approval.

I smiled at her as I sat up and swung my legs off the bed. I was really going to miss her.

Instead of attaching her wrists together, I grasped her right hand firmly in my left and walked with her, allowing her to open the bedroom door and lead the way out and into the hallway. If she was surprised at the fact that I hadn't handcuffed her, she didn't show it.

As we approached the kitchen, I released her hand, and watched as she wiggled her fingers. She smiled at me, not quite understanding my mood. Her bare feet danced in nervousness on the hardwood of the entranceway to the kitchen.

"I feel like it's my birthday or something. Everyone in there is going to jump out and yell 'Surprise' when I walk in."

I smiled at her. "Maybe it is. Maybe they will," I spoke quietly.

She gave me a confused look, and waited with her hands at her sides for me to allow her to enter the kitchen.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the kitchen door and motioned for Christi to enter. I watched as she walked into the kitchen, the sway of her feminine body exaggerated as she moved.

As I followed her, I noticed that the other women were scattered about the kitchen. Amy and Elizabeth were quietly talking at the table, their hands impeding them a little as they sat upright in the kitchen chairs.

Jane was swirling around the kitchen, finishing up making sandwiches. Sheila was doing whatever she could at Jane's direction to help. Her bound hands making any chore difficult. But she didn't seem to mind as she moved her bare body around. Christi moved over to Sheila who was trying to carry a small tray of cookies behind her. Christi immediately took the tray and spoke a few whispered words to Sheila. Sheila looked a bit relieved and moved towards me, kneeling at my feet.

"Can a slave ask to have her hands released so that she can help with lunch?" she inquired with a sweet look on her face. The bruises had faded considerably from her features, but they weren't completely gone yet. She was still beautiful.

"Sweety. Go sit with Amy and Elizabeth. Christi can take over."

She looked a bit disappointed, probably hoping to be released even if it meant chores for her to do. She slowly climbed to her bare feet, with a helping hand from myself, and walked over to table, settling her bare bottom onto one of the hard chairs.

I leaned against he wall watching the activity. Jane and Christi quickly set the table with plates and trays of small sandwiches. As Jane fished pickles out of a huge jar, I couldn't believe the sights. Three women, completely nude from the tops of their heads to their pretty toes, handcuffed, talking like it was the most natural thing in the world. Christi, in her tight jeans and top, no underwear and barefoot. Jane in evening wear, her feet bare and moving against the
tile. Busily making lunch. They were all just so ... exquisite, delicate creatures.

It was hard to believe what I'd put them all through over the last days. Pain. Humiliation. Sexual slavery. I closed my eyes and pictured them, just this morning, covered in syrup, sticky, eating without complaint, in a situation that just wasn't imaginable for most people.
And they were here. Still alive. Still surviving. And unbroken. Even happy. I watched a quick smile flash across Amy's face as she laughed at something Sheila had said. The female of the species is a wondrous creature.

I took a deep breath.

"Christi?"

She looked up from her tray of sandwiches that she was placing on the table, her eyes questioning. If I was to tell her to make love to Jane on the floor, she would. No questions. No complaints. If I was to ask her to whip Amy's breasts for a few minutes ... she would. She'd
protest. Try to avoid it. Try to offer herself. Any number of things. But she'd do it for me. Any of them would. I felt a tingle race through me.

"I think we are going to need a couple of chairs," I spoke to her.

She looked at me incredulously. I was implying that all of them might actually get chairs? At lunch time? Not make two of them sit on the floor, or worse eat off the floor like pets? She didn't move, her thoughts freezing her body.

"Christi?"

She shook herself and looked at me again, her mouth open.

I laughed gently. "Yes, you all get to sit like human beings today."

She finally took a breath and scampered towards the dining room. Smiling, I watched as she struggled with the larger dining room chairs. Hugging them as if they were a person, using her whole smaller body to lift the things and bring them into the kitchen. She used her bare foot to push open the door.

After she was done, there were six chairs gathered around the small kitchen table. She had arranged the chairs with a little help from the three nude girls, such that one dining room chair had more space than the others. Presumably mine.

I looked at the girls. Jane had finished preparations, all the food was on the table. The girls were all standing demurely beside their chosen chair, waiting quietly.

"Christi?"

She looked up a bit fearfully, afraid that she'd done something wrong. Something in my tone, I guess.

"Relax, silly female. Two things. You could have dragged them," meaning the chairs that she'd struggled to carry in here. Christi blushed a bit at that, realizing that she wasn't thinking. I continued, "And even out the chairs. You'll never have enough room like that." The girls chairs were really jammed together giving my chair an excessive amount of space. While I liked the image of them pressed together and a little uncomfortable, it wasn't necessary today. No need to have them unable to eat easily, constantly bumping elbows and other softer things.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Given past treatment, there was no reason for her to think that I would allow them more room at the small table. She was apologizing anyway, as though it were her fault for not reading my mind. After this morning, I suppose that I couldn't blame
her for being careful and thinking any perceived transgression might be punishable. She quickly moved to separate the girls' chairs. She still left me more room, but I didn't push the issue.

I slowly moved to the chair intended for me and sat. The rest of the girls sat down as soon as I touched the chair. They were quiet, not really knowing what was happening. Except Jane probably had an inkling what my unusual mood was about.

A tremulous voice rose from beside me. Elizabeth spoke, almost fearfully.

"M-master? Are we. Is it," she stammered and finally found her tongue. "Was it your intention for some slaves not to eat?"

I looked at her quizzically. She looked down quickly, probably sorry she'd spoken at all.

I was a little confused by her question. She looked up quickly, saw the confusion and took a breath. She rattled her wrists trapped behind her bare back.

The light dawned on me. I smiled and reached forward, picking up a small egg sandwich. I touched it to her trembling lips. Obediently, she parted her lips and accepted the food into her mouth. I watched her chew slowly, comprehension dawning of her pretty face. She flushed
a little, realizing that she was sitting next to Sheila who was similarly bound. Unless I relented and released her wrists, she was going to get fed by me. Or I would force Christi or Jane to lean across the table to feed her. Tears briefly brimmed in her expressive eyes, but she managed to control them. I guess just the image of her not even having the control to feed herself had washed over her. For me it was exciting, for her probably a bit humiliating.

I looked around the table at the four stunning faces watching my movements. Perhaps they were waiting for permission to eat.

"Jane? Share your fingers with Amy. Christi? You feed Sheila. And I'll take care of Elizabeth."

Taking that as a sign to begin, I watched as Christi hesitantly picked up a ham sandwich and offered it to Sheila. Seeing my gaze on her, and seeing the look in my eyes, she anticipated my next request. After Sheila had bitten off a small bite, Christi turned the sandwich to her
own mouth and shared the food as well as her fingers. Jane watched and did the same. Soon, the women were eating slowly and talking softly around the table. I tried to remember to share with Elizabeth. The girl took whatever was offered to her from my plate. Sandwiches of a multitude of flavours and pickles. She seemed to enjoy all of them. She was happily talking to the other girls, and directing some questions to me. Asking to try some foods that I hadn't taken. I wasn't very hungry, but I did share my food, allowing her to request whatever she wanted. I figured if she was willing to sit there naked and cuffed being fed by me without complaint, then she deserved to eat whatever she desired.

Finally, Elizabeth was full, and I didn't want any more. She obediently licked the crumbs off my fingers after we were done. I idly sat back, stroking her red hair, watching the other's still
interacting. Christi and Jane still slowly fed the naked women and themselves.

The girls got into an animated discussion of the relative merits of oral vs. conventional sex. I wisely refrained from entering the discussion and they continued as though I wasn't even there. But I did notice a gleam of mischievous intent in Jane's eyes. If I recalled correctly, she had initiated the discussion with some inflammatory comment. Considering that she was the only girl what had escaped oral sex with Amy this morning, it was actually ironic.

At last, the conversation began to show signs of weakness, and Jane rose to clear the table. Christi automatically followed, being the only other female free of fetters. She began to run water into the sink.

"Just clear the dishes. No need to wash them."

"Why? Are we moving again?" Christi turned off the water and joked with me. "You harbouring a run-out-of-plates-and-move mentality now?"

Jane had transferred most of the plates and trays to the counter beside the sink.

I didn't answer right away, and Christi's face became more worried.

"Or are you just anxious to play with us, again?" Christi whispered. Fear had begun to creep into her eyes despite her obvious efforts to remain casual.

I took a deep breath. "We're moving. Sort of."

Christi looked at me. All the girls looked at me, except for Jane.

Christi's lips moved gently. "Please. Master. We like it here. It's comfortable. We picked it. Please don't make us move again. I'll. We'll do anything you want. Please let us stay here."

"You'll do anything I want, anyway. Whether we move or not."

"Oh." Her face fell betraying her disappointment. I could see the resignation cross her face. If I wanted to move them, they didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. "I suppose you want us to pack all our chains and ropes and stuff."

"Actually no. I don't. I said we are moving. Sort of." This time I emphasized the 'Sort of.'

"I. I don't understand," Christi spoke quietly. The other girls didn't know what to think, letting Christi speak for them, for now. They just watched quietly, Jane closing her eyes and watching the floor. I could see the smile playing about her lips, the vixen, but she hid her
involvement here well.

I took a deep breath and looked at Christi's deep blue eyes until she looked away, resigned that I'd explain to her when I was ready. Not much she could do about it.

"Janey?"

Jane looked up with widened eyes, not expecting me to call her.

"Yes, sir," her mouth automatically formed the words.

"Tell them." I leaned back in the chair, crossing my arms across my chest and trying to keep my face neutral.

Her face dropped in surprise, but she recovered quickly. She looked around at the four intent faces staring at her. Waiting for her to speak. Confusion infused all the expectant faces. They didn't know what was coming, but they knew that this was far more important than a move from a hotel to a mansion. They could tell by my behaviour, by how they'd been treated over the last hour or so, and the look on Jane's face.

Jane took a deep breath, holding her hands to her face as though she was going to cry. Finally, the soft, almost whispered words fell into the silent room.

"We're going home," Jane whispered, tears running down her face. She caught her breath and continued to her stunned audience. "He's going to let us go. Today."

Amy whispered from her chair. "You. You're kidding. Please. Don't."

Tears had formed in all their faces. They knew instinctively that Jane wasn't lying, that she was telling the truth to them. That they were going to return to their former lives. Forgetting about this time, this place. What they'd all wanted since I'd dropped into their normal lives.

Almost as one, the girls surged out of their places. Had I ordered them to stay where they were, they wouldn't have listened. Their voices mixed together, laughing, crying, talking. They moved together with Jane overwhelmed in the middle. The two free girls hugged and kissed the bound ones, pressing their bodies together in a show of happiness and relief. They'd made it through. Sane. Even Sheila was excited and participating. Christi and Jane hugged fiercely, crying onto each other's shoulders.

I sat back, shaking my head, just watching them. I don't think I will ever see such a display of such relief and happiness as long as I live. The girls couldn't stop talking, asking Jane questions, overwhelming her.

I let them get it out of their systems, waiting patiently, quietly enjoying them. Finally, Jane extracted herself from the mob of girls, gently pushing them away from her. She walked slowly to where I was sitting and spoke slowly and somberly.

"I honestly thought that you were going to keep us forever. I thought, that you were maybe even going to kill us one day. I was sure of it. No matter what your reasons are, I for one want to thank you for this. Even if I have to wait a little longer yet."

She bent and kissed me on both cheeks and then full on the lips, holding my jaw firmly between her hands. Each girl, in turn, followed Jane. Kissing me the same way, Christi last, running her tongue softly over my lips before breaking away.

Amy looked over at me after Christi was done. Her bare skin shone clean despite her exertions this morning. Her hands pulled gently at the cuffs holding her.

"When?" she asked quietly.

"Soon," I answered her vaguely. Truthfully, I didn't know when they'd all be released.

Her face paled. "You want to hurt us one last time. Don't you?"

I looked at Jane who turned to Amy. She touched Amy's bare shoulder, turning the girl to face Jane.

"Sweety. He's done hurting us. He got that out of his system this morning. Those handcuffs are about as close to hurting as you'll get. He's going to let us go later today."

"Why not now?" Amy was understandably the most anxious to leave and get back to her real life. She'd been a bit of a firebrand since that day where she'd discovered what pain really was. A tongue clamp, a riding crop and some rope.

"Amy, honey. He does have some plans for us."

Amy paled. "Rape hurts some of us, you know?" she whispered.

Jane actually laughed. "Honey. He's not going to rape us. At least I don't think he is. Christi already gave him a tumble from what I heard." Christi blushed fiercely for some reason. "He. He's going to let us all do something *we* want to do. Something that we normally couldn't."

"I just want to go home," Amy spoke quietly.

Jane took a deep breath. "You are going to be here until tonight anyway, honey. Think about it. I'm sure there are limits here, but make it worthwhile being here. If he's going to let us do something for us, take advantage of it. Think about it."

Amy nodded in that way that says, I-don't-want-anything-but-to-go-home, but she managed a smile. At least her worst fears weren't being realized. At least it wasn't looking like she'd be raped or tormented any longer.

Christi looked like she was about to say something, but I cut her off.

"Girls? Remember that you are still slaves. There's just an end in sight. I don't want to see any last minute disobedience because I'm letting you go. Jane and Christi? Remember the clothes? Remember how you knew you were going to lose them if you didn't remember what you were? You did well with that, but remember that I can take potential freedom away as well."

The girls sobered a bit at the words. They all nodded grimly. It was probably easier for Elizabeth, Sheila and Amy to accept this, still being naked and handcuffed. I imagine it is tough not to remember that you are under control when you have no clothing and are restrained physically. But Jane and Christi had always been good at keeping me satisfied despite freedoms that I allowed them. I suspected that when I told them to kneel, all of them still would.

I shepherded the girls out into the hallway. They resumed their excited chattering as though I wasn't there. I guided them into the library where I had them kneel and carefully placed handcuffs on all of them. Jane and Christi looked hurt a bit, but I ensured that the bonds weren't tight and just restricted their motion a little. The nude women, I merely changed their hands from behind them to in front.

"Couldn't have done this before lunch, could you?" Elizabeth smiled up at me playfully.

"Then I probably wouldn't have had the pleasure of feeding you."

She blushed and accepted the cuffs over her wrists again.

I felt a bit drained and wanted a few moments to think.

"Alright. You all have free time for a while, but don't move out of these rooms. Okay?"

The women nodded, understanding. Christi and Elizabeth jumped immediately to their bare feet and headed for their books, not wanting to waste free time. Sheila more slowly climbed to her feet and began to scan the book shelves. Amy moved to the doorway and slipped into
the stereo room.

Jane remained on her knees looking up at me.

"If you want company, I'll do whatever you need." Her expression told me that she would do anything I wanted, whether that involved her crying in pain, or held in my arms. Or she'd simply sit and talk.

"Thanks for the offer, Janey. I appreciate it. But I just want to think for a while."

"I understand," she spoke softly from the floor. She struggled to push herself to her bare feet. "Can I ask if I'm allowed in the dining room."

An image of her stretched out on the windowsill in the still morning sun caught my mind's eye. Her feline form, breathing softly in sleep. With and without the evening dress, she flitted behind my eyes.

"Are you alright?" she asked worriedly. She'd never seen a blackout and she was understandably worried. Her life could be in the balance of another blackout and she was so close to going home.

I shook off the images with a smile. She didn't understand why I looked her up and down the way I did, but I nodded to her.

"I'm fine. And, of course you go to the dining room. Little kitten."

She gave me a strange smile making me wonder just how much she did know. In a swirl of black fabric, interrupted only by her pale bare feet she scampered away to her window.

I turned away and made my way slowly upstairs. I lay back on the bed, closed my eyes and let the images of the week flash through. 

Slowly I sat up and stretched my limbs. I was tired, but it was time. I gained my feet and made my way to the door, slowly opening it. The hallway reminded me of the short journey that we had left. A straight arrow with a set of stairs leading down.

I arrived in the library, silently entering. Elizabeth was at her perch, reading the Tale of Two Cities again. Christi was curled up in the chair reading her Talisman. Both girls looked up at me as I entered. Elizabeth slowly raised her arms to display her bare breasts, flushing a little as she did. I could almost see the thoughts in her pretty head. Not much longer, and anything to make the last few hours less painful for her. I smiled at her, appreciating the gesture, but
indicated to her that she didn't have to display her body to me. Not this time. She slowly lowered her arms, a look of gratefulness crossing her features. Her arms obscured her breasts, but it was still obvious that she was nude. She looked beautiful in either position.

Sheila was lying quietly on the floor, thumbing through an atlas of all things. She hadn't looked up as I entered, intent on something in the reference book. I nodded easily to the other girls, who slowly turned back to their books. But I could feel their eyes still on me as I crouched beside Sheila. She finally looked up as my shadow crossed her book.

She smiled weakly, somehow understanding that I wanted her. She pushed herself off her stomach with her handcuffed hands and knelt. Not a word had been exchanged yet. I gently touched her shoulder as I rose to my feet. She followed, somehow knowing that it was expected of her. Her bare feet whispered across the carpet as I guided her out of the
room. At the entranceway, she turned, gazing back at her friends. Christi and Elizabeth both were watching us intently now, their books forgotten. Elizabeth waved her bound hand, and Christi followed suit. They had no idea if they'd ever see Sheila again. Tears formed in Sheila's eyes as she waved back. But a weak smile also graced her features.

As I guided her to the stairs, she tried to speak. I shushed her gently. She obeyed, and silently climbed the stair, her bare legs working in front of my eyes.

We reached the bedroom and I sat on the bed. Looking around, a bit confused, she finally decided that the safest course was to kneel, which she did. I let her kneel there quietly for a few minutes. She broke the silence.

"Master? Are? Are you going to rape me?"

I laughed gently. "If I haven't raped you yet, little one, I'm not going to."

She looked a bit relieved. "Why am I here then?" she asked quietly.

I looked at her. She was a vision of beauty. She perhaps had the most stunning physical attraction of all of them. And I'd never even touched it. She was kneeling easily with her hands held in her lap. She was squirming a little, but not as much as I would have in a similar situation.

"You know why you are here," I spoke gently to her.

She swallowed heavily. I wasn't making it easier for her. She thought she knew, but she was afraid of being wrong. I couldn't blame her.

"Master? I. I know what I want." She finally found the courage to take a chance.

I nodded to her, letting her know that it was alright for her to continue.

"I. I haven't been allowed to leave this house in three months. I've been raped. I've been beaten. I've been put through things that even you couldn't imagine. What I really want is to stay, here with you. Relatively safe. But I'm pretty sure that I can't," her voice faltered and she paused for a moment, her thoughts spinning through her head. "I. I want to go outside. I just want to be free, just for a while."

I smiled. That was easy enough to grant. I slowly got off the bed and released her wrists. I dropped the handcuffs to the floor with a jangle. She remained on her knees, slowly rubbing her freed wrists.

I urged her to her bare feet and guided her silently downstairs and through the kitchen. I could see the tears brimming in her eyes as she anticipated the outdoors again. Anything but this house, her prison. She didn't care if she was naked. She didn't care if she was still sore from Evan's treatment. She didn't care about anything except feeling the air against her skin, the sun beating down on her.

I opened the back door for her, letting it swing open. She hesitated in the doorway. She breathed in the fresh air wafting in from outside. She almost seemed like a dehydration victim, willing herself to take it slow, knowing that her body would reject water if she gulped.

In one slow and careful motion she stepped outside, her bare feet touching the grass.

She turned to me, "I can go?" she asked quietly.

I nodded. And she turned her bare body, her arms reaching for the sky. She ran. I watched as her steps faltered a bit as she ran past Evan's frozen body, and again as she passed Gertrude, but she continued, turning her face from them and running like the wind. I stepped out into the bright sunshine and watched her. She was like an antelope, a deer, a cheetah. She ran with the abandon of an alcoholic who was desperate for her next drink. I could hear her cries and laughter as she ran through the grass. I walked after her, just enjoying her pure
joy and happiness.

Occasionally she stopped, plucking flowers from the garden and smelling them. She trailed her hands over the rough bark of the trees. And she knelt in the grass, running her hands through the blades.

I slowly approached her as she knelt. I settled beside her, unable to stop smiling at her simple happiness. Her teary eyes turned to my face. Her smile was enough to thank me forever, but she said the words anyway.

"Thank-you," she whispered. "I wish I could stay out here all day."

"And I wish I could watch you all day," I answered her back.

She smiled at that and carefully lay herself out in the grass. She arched her back, pushing her breasts out into the sunshine. She was breathing hard from her exertions, her nipples hardened into small points.

She reached her arms out towards me, beckoning me to join her with her fingers. Such a difference from that frightened paranoid girl that I'd found with Mayer and afterwards. All she needed was some respect and some care and this girl would be yours forever.

I touched her fingers with mine, and then withdrew. She looked up at me quizzically. "I know I'm still knocked around a bit, but you don't want me?" She was genuinely surprised, her fingers touching her still bruised face. I suppose she was used to men wanting her.

This was the same girl that not a half hour ago was worried about me raping her?

I slowly nodded my head. The sight of her bare body was more than arousing. Even after my tumble with Christi this morning, I could react to Sheila.

"Come on then," she whispered.

"Sheila, honey. I didn't give you what you wanted so that you'd have sex with me. I promised I wasn't going to rape you. I enjoyed just watching you."

She smiled shyly in the grass. Her breasts were still rising and falling in an irregular rhythm. Her nipples still hadn't fallen.

"Master? A slave wants to point out that it isn't rape if the girl wants it too."

"Do you want it?"

She shyly nodded. She'd probably been used to some sexual activity on a daily basis for a long time. Even if it hadn't been welcome. And while I'm sure the break was nice for her, her body probably expected the stimulation. I hadn't seen any indication that she had ever
pleasured herself while under my care, but I suppose it was possible. Her body was healing, and she certainly looked interested. I guess I could understand.

I slowly moved into her embrace, taking pleasure in her soft skin. She embraced me fiercely, pressing herself into my body. She kissed me, aroused me. I fell into her lips, letting her guide this. My body felt like it was on fire as her fingers gently pushed me down into the grass.

I watched her as she straddled me, her fingers pulling at my shirt. She bent, pulling me to her, pressing her bare body into me. I felt her nipples against my bare skin for the first and last time. She kissed me again, her tongue carefully exploring.

She whispered in my ear, her breath hot and desirable. I lost my bearings, enjoying her sensations, enjoying her softness. I closed my eyes, feeling her tugging at my jeans. I felt myself, at last, naked and nude as she. I gasped as I felt her moving up my body, her skin
becoming a part of mine. I unconsciously reached for her breasts, caressing her firmness, eliciting her gasps as I stroked her nipples.

Slowly I was engulfed by her. I felt her arousal as she lowered herself onto me. She rocked gently, seeking to get me further into herself. She moaned slightly, probably not even aware of it as she began her rhythm. Her hands left my chest and I concentrated on her sensations. She was gasping for breath, her breath hissing between her teeth. Slowly she accelerated her rhythm, searching for her own rhythm. I opened my eyes. This gorgeous creature straddled me, her blonde hair damp. Her left hand caressed her nipples alternately, her right was gently pushing herself between her straining thighs. Her eyes were closed, head thrown back as she worked. I could feel her muscles quiver once as she took in a last breath of air. She shuddered, and screamed as she exploded, her fingers a blur working herself between her spread thighs. I could feel her tight vaginal muscles contracting around me. The sensations were too much. Her image burned into my mind, I exploded upwards, emptying myself into her. She cried out again as she felt the warm rush of fluid within her.

Her climax lasted longer than mine, but eventually she came down with a small moan. She fell forward, trusting me to catch her as best I could. Her body was bathed in perspiration, her vaginal muscles still spasming around my softening impalement.

She pulled me close, tears falling down her face. I held her on top of me, letting her cry. Eventually, she raised her face, wiping at her tears.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I. I didn't mean to cry."

I smiled at her, understanding. Sort of. She'd been through a lot and it was ending. I almost felt like crying too.

I was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable, still being inside of her, but for now, it was bearable. She shifted her weight a little and whispered to me again.

"I. I never knew what I was missing with Mayer. I. I had climaxes, because he forced me to, but I didn't know what a real climax felt like. Thank-you."

I wasn't sure that I had anything to do with it. She'd done all the work.

"Thank yourself. You did this."

She smiled and rested her head on my chest. We were still joined.

Finally her musical voice spoke again, softly turned away from me.

"I. I don't want to go back."

"I know. And I don't blame you. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. But. I've tasted freedom again. I'd forgotten what it was like."

"Sheila, honey. You are probably my worst problem. I care about you. Well, I care about everyone, but I really don't want to send you back. I have to, but you are going back to the worst situation that I can imagine."

She lay still for a moment, unknown thoughts moving through her head. She turned her head towards me, tears streaking her face again.

"You honestly have to send me back? I. I prefer it here. I. I don't mind being your slave. I'd happily stay for you. I'm going to miss this."

"I know you will. I know."

She turned her head back, resigned. She knew that she was going back, and she was well aware of how bad her fate was. I had to admire her bravery. She didn't even beg me to keep her. Even if she didn't understand why, I think she understood that I would have done anything in my power not to send her back if I could.

"Sheila, honey? I want you to know that I will take care of him for you in real life. You won't remember any of this. You won't remember me. But I will make sure he's caught. And I will make sure that you are freed. Somehow. He won't get away with this. And I won't let him
torture you to death. You only have to survive a couple of days. That's all."

She had turned to face me again. She forced a weak smile onto her face.

"Even though I've seen what you can do, and what you did to Jane and Elizabeth in there. You will never be the asshole that he is. You care about them, and I want to thank you. For everything. For freeing me. For not raping me. For taking care of me. And for what you are going to do for me. You never owed me anything, and, I know it's ironic, but you are kindest person I've ever met. I wish I knew who you were."

I smiled at her and brushed her damp hair back from her face.

I squirmed a bit, feeling the tight friction of her against my soft penis. She screwed up her face and actually laughed, feeling the odd sensation from the other end. I don't think I've ever felt myself go complete soft inside a woman before, and I doubt if she'd ever felt it either.

"I'm sorry. I was just so comfortable."

She hastily withdrew and eased me out of her sex. I sighed as I slipped free of her, and she laughed at the expression on my face.

"Time to go?" she asked quietly.

"Unless you want anything else. Like to take one more shot at Mayer."

Her eyes clouded a little, but she managed to force them back to a brighter shade. She was outside, free and just had sex that she had actually enjoyed. God knows how long it had been since the last time she had enjoyed sex. She spoke quietly.

"Much as I'd like to see him suffer more, I don't want to ruin this by even seeing him. The only thing I want is to say good-bye to the others, if I can." She took a deep breath and quietly continued. "I. I think I'm ready. As ready as I can be."

I rose to my feet and extended my hand. She smiled up at me and grasped it, pulling herself to her bare feet. She stood and watched as I quickly replaced my clothes. As I approached her, she stood on her bare toes and kissed my lips. She returned to her easy stance and
smiled shyly at me. She reached out and gripped my hand. We walked almost like lovers back to the house. She purposely avoided looking at the former occupants of the house as we passed.

She hesitated by the library door, tears beginning to form in her eyes. I patiently waited for her to control her emotions and let her decide when to push open the door. In a few minutes she wiped at her face and entered the room. Her bare feet moved in a stilted motion as the other's looked up.

Amy had joined the other two, and they were talking quietly together. They all looked up, concern on their faces as Sheila walked in.

Taking in her tears, Christi rose from her chair. She spoke quietly.

"It's time to go, for you. Isn't it?"

Sheila just nodded, her tears falling from her eyes uncontrollably. She just let them drip down her face.

Elizabeth and Amy rose and walked over to Sheila. Despite their handcuffs, they pressed their nude bodies to Sheila, hugging her as best they could.

I listened as Elizabeth whispered to her.

"I really didn't know you as well as I wish that I did. You are a brave and wonderful girl. I know you won't remember me, but I only want the best for you. I know what you are going back to, and I hate it. Be strong. For me."

She kissed her cheek. Amy, tears gently falling down her face, kissed Sheila as well.

As soon as the naked women finished, Christi enveloped Sheila in a huge embrace, pressing her clothes into Sheila's nudity. They separated, and looked at one another, tears falling down their cheeks.

"Thanks. For everything," Sheila whispered. "I couldn't have done this without you."

Christi choked, only able to cry. They kissed lightly on the lips and separated. Finally, Christi managed a few words. "I'm going to miss you."

Sheila kissed her once more and the girls separated. Sheila approached me, unable to even see, she was crying so hard. The other girls looked on helplessly. I took her hand gently and spoke to her.

"Do you want to say good bye to Jane?"

She nodded silently through her tears.

I guided her slowly to the dining room. Jane was stretched out in the sunshine of the window, her black evening dress looking odd on her, but stunning nevertheless. As we entered, she looked up. She was almost immediately on her feet, running towards Sheila. Instinctively she knew. The tears, the look on both mine and Sheila's face.

The girls hugged, Sheila crying into Jane's shoulder. I watched them rock one another. Jane struggled with her emotions, but she was unable to stop a single tear from tracking down her face.

"I'm sorry," she whispered to Sheila. "I should be happy for you, but I'm going to miss you."

The girls pulled back a bit, looking into one another's eyes.

"You were like a sister to me," Sheila whispered. "You helped me so much. Adjusting to this. You were there for me. I wish I could give you back a tenth of what you gave to me."

"You just did," Jane whispered as she gently kissed Sheila.

She pulled back and held the crying naked woman by her arm. "Now you listen to me. I know what you are going back to. I know it won't be easy. But he's going to help you. Okay?" She shot me a look, making sure that I knew she'd never forgive me if I didn't help this girl. Truthfully, I was her only hope, and I was painfully aware of it. "You just have to hold on for a day or so. You're strong. You can do it. I promise. You promise me, that you'll hold on."

Sheila dumbly nodded. Her promises wouldn't mean much, but I had a strange feeling that she would do exactly what she'd promised despite not remembering it. She was a strong girl. Considering what she'd gone through already in her real life, perhaps the strongest out of any of us.

"Take care of yourself," Jane spoke softly with tears now rolling slowly down her cheeks. Sheila wiped at the tears while ignoring her own.

"I will." They hugged once more, both girls looking reluctant to release the embrace.

Sheila presented herself back to me. Jane just stood and watched. Sheila bent as though to fall to her bare knees, but I stopped her with a touch. I touched her small hand and took it in mine. I slowly guided her out of the room. She turned and whispered a last good-bye to Jane as we left the dining room, throwing herself into renewed sobs. She silently cried all the way up the stairs until we were outside the master bedroom. She stood in the hallway, looking at me through blurry eyes.

Her voice was surprisingly strong as she spoke.

"You won't keep me?"

She shivered and threw a fearful glance towards the doorway across the hallway. If I didn't relent, she knew where she'd be in a few moments. Dressed in her maid's uniform, three sizes too small, and bound. About to be kicked and tortured and raped for hours by her old master.

"I'm sorry Sheila. I truly am. I can't. I so much wish I could. I don't want to send you back into that."

"I. I understand," she whispered. She moved forward and embraced me, pressing her soft body into mine. She began to cry again, but she struggled and managed to get control. She tilted her blonde head and let her lips gently touch mine. Visions of her bare body making gentle love to me out in the grass flew through my mind.

"Thank you for giving me so much," she whispered.

I took a deep breath, "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too. Maybe look me up once you've freed me. Ease up on the punishments, and maybe ..." her voice trailed off. She resumed after a quick pause. "I'm going to miss you too." Her eyes teared up again at the words, but she managed to control them again.

I took another deep breath and began to collapse her time bubble. She gasped as the tingling overtook her bare body. She whispered one last quick "Thank-you," before she winked out of existence.

I knew exactly what state she was in behind the closed door of the business room. I didn't think that I could handle checking on her. She'd be right where I'd found her. Bound, carrying that tray for Mayer, and about to be abused. Yet again. My heart ached, but I had no choice.

I turned away from the door, fighting off my own tears and slowly walked back downstairs.

to be continued.......